California Surveyors Forums

I've done some pro bono surveys and design work for some Catholic elementary schools.

I forgot to mention that during a job interview a few years back, I was asked to list the community service type activities that I was involved with. Unfortunately, I couldn't think of much on short notice. (I didn't get the job either). Can't win 'em all. : )

I'll reply to this. I'm somewhat hesitant in that I don't want to sound like a braggart, but I think giving back to our community is very important so here goes ...

Last week, Bedrock staff staked out several youth soccer fields at two campuses in our local school district. This time, in addition to some nails set below the ground surface and stake chasers, we buried magnets to help recover the locations next year.

Last year, I got involved with Destination Imagination at my kids' grade school. I ended up coaching my son's second grade team. It was an amazing experience - one that instilled memories for them and me that will last a lifetime. Check it out at: http://www.idodi.org/

Several years ago, my wife was introduced to Junior Achievement. I got involved two years ago. The third grade level of JA has zoning and land use concepts. All of the JA curricula has an emphasis on entrepreneurism. It is a great program: https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-usa/home

I was introduced to the ACE Mentor program two years ago through our local builders exchange. ACE stands for Architect-Engineer-Contractor. It may be different from locale to locale, but in our area the mentors help a team of high school students prepare a response to an RFP which includes a proposal, resumes, site plan and other drawings, a schedule and a cost estimate. There are some really promising statistics from this program too regarding how many participants go on to college (just as an example). This has been a very rewarding program in which to be involved! ACE is looking for additional mentors: http://www.acementor.org/

Leadership Fresno contacted Bedrock earlier this year to see how we could help in their efforts to design and construct a "Welcome to Fresno sign" along Highway 99 northbound. We consulted and recently staked the foundation. The sign is currently under construction.

A few years ago, we were asked to do some topo surveying for a renovation of an amphitheater in the Rotary Storyland located adjacent to Fresno's Chaffee Zoo.

Lastly, certainly not least though, was our involvement with Camp Elowin - a girl scout camp near the Shaver Lake area along Dinkey Creek. We provided a topo map for the design of a footbridge across Dinkey Creek and then provided staking for the construction. For our efforts, we received a plaque and one of the nicest, most sincere thank you letters in the history of the world. It brought tears to my eyes. Far more valuable that the money we could have charged.

There have been other things that Bedrock and our employees give our time and talents to. We do it because we want to help and feel like it helps connect us to our community.

I'm sure there are many companies and individuals that can far exceed our efforts "in feel good stuff" ... and that's a great thing! Share away.

Mike,

I'll reply to this. I'm somewhat hesitant in that I don't want to sound like a braggart, but I think giving back to our community is very important so here goes ...

You're only a "braggart" if you deliver the message in an inappropriate or self-serving manner. I believe you delivered your post very well and with good intentions.

I'm sure there are many companies and individuals that can far exceed our efforts "in feel good stuff" ... and that's a great thing! Share away.

I agree. As good an idea as this thread is, after reading some of the posts, I think it would be a good idea for the administration of this forum to consider providing a separate forum category that highlights examples of what professional land surveyors and CLSA members are doing to help their communities throughout the state. This could help our image as well as provide one consistent area for CLSA to even reference when marketing the association.

Ric,

Thanks for the positive feedback.

Mike and Clark,

Thanks for sharing. That's all good stuff!

I do some pro bono survey work for select non-profits and I'm currently a volunteer for the UCDavis California Raptor Center. The Raptor Center is part of the veterinarian program so in addition to any surveying and structure repair/maintenance needs the Center has, I get to handle and treat orphaned and injured Golden Eagles and other birds of prey. I also do educational outreach presentations with the birds for schools, Boy Scouts, etc.

It's all very rewarding.

Like many folks, in addition to my professional work I wear a number of volunteer hats in the community:

Treasurer, Davis Community Network
(http://www.dcn.org)

Treasurer, Civic Center Park Neighborhood Association

Member, Davis Community Cooperative Fund Board of Trustees
(http://davisfood.coop/sustainability/communityfund)

Member, Davis CERT
(https://www.citizencorps.fema.gov/cc/sh ... o?id=47220)

I am a volunteer at Children's Hospital of Orange County. Both my wife and I spend at least one day a week, we have a dog that is a certified pet therapy dog that my wife volunteers with and then I give my time to a number of departments in need of construction and building services.